M4 - Globular Cluster in Scorpius

This is a magnificent globular cluster that compares well to most any other globular visible from Northern Skies.  It is easily found within degrees of Antares in Scorpius, in the midst of one of the most beautiful regions of the sky (click <here> for a shot of this region).  Unfortunately, this is also M4's curse.  Because Antares is so bright, it takes a larger scope and more magnification than such a globular should in order to resolve its core.  Nevertheless, its a fantastic object, easily found.  It should be one of the first objects for the beginning observer.

Location:  Texas Star Party near Fort Davis, Texas
Seeing: 8/10
Transparency: 9/10
Date and Time: May, 2002
Equipment: 10" LX-200 Classic, SBIG ST-V camera
Length: Four  40 second integrations in normal mode
Processing Information:  Levels, Gaussian Blur and Unsharp Mask in Photoshop 5  

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